As part of a media event a few days ago, Capcom showed off details for the much-anticipated next chapter in their Monster Hunter franchise. Now, the publisher has released a first trailer for the game as well.

Not since Final Fantasy XIII was announced for the Xbox 360 had Japan’s gaming industry been so shaken up as when Capcom proclaimed that Monster Hunter 4 would be going to the 3DS instead of Sony’s Vita. 3DS owners everywhere cheered; Vita supporters, meanwhile, accused Capcom of stabbing the new portable in its back touch panel.

For us in the West, however, the real point of conversation is if we’ll even be getting this game or not. The series has seen mixed results outside of Japan, and getting a new Monster Hunter on the 3DS might not be the most appealing idea for more Western-focused gamers. At the same time, this is a major new chapter to the series, and the market of consumers who own a 3DS might be different enough from those platforms which hosted Monster Hunter before.

Eric L. Patterson got started via self-publishing game-related fanzines in junior high, and now has one goal in life: making sure EGM has as much coverage of niche Japanese games as can realistically be crammed in. Eric’s also active in the gaming community on a personal level, being an outspoken voice on topics such as equality in gaming and consumer rights. Stalk Eric on Twitter: @Eric_EGM. Meet the rest of the crew.